30-Year-Old California Police Officer Dies In 120-Mile Relay Race

A 30-year-old Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy died Saturday after suffering a medical emergency while competing in the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup relay race, police said.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) identified the fallen deputy as Levi Vargas in a post Sunday on X. Vargas had served with the agency since 2015, starting as a Custody Assistant before graduating with Academy Class 413 and earning his badge. He was most recently assigned to San Dimas Station.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department mourns the loss of Deputy Levi Vargas, who passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the age of 30.

Deputy Vargas joined the Department in 2015 as a Custody Assistant and later graduated from Academy Class 413. He served in several… pic.twitter.com/8k2iKnhWhP

— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) March 29, 2026

Vargas, an 11-year veteran with the force, faced a health emergency during the race, according to a post Saturday. “Despite receiving medical care, the Deputy ultimately passed away from their injuries,” the LASD added.

A procession of law enforcement vehicles escorted Vargas’s body from a Las Vegas hospital to the morgue, ABC7 reported, citing video. He was set to return to southern California by aircraft on Monday, according to his family.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department mourns the loss of Deputy Levi Vargas, who passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the age of 30.

Deputy Vargas joined the Department in 2015 as a Custody Assistant and later graduated from Academy Class 413. He served in several… pic.twitter.com/8k2iKnhWhP

— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) March 29, 2026

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